Panasonic TX-L37G15 review

The TX-L37G15 is a great addition to Panasonic’s ever-growing range of Freesat TVs – definitely one to audition Tested at £1149.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A great addition to Panasonic’s ever-growing range of Freesat TVs – definitely one to audition

Pros

  • +

    Excellent Freesat images

  • +

    good DVD upscaler

  • +

    smooth handling of motion

  • +

    above average sound

Cons

  • -

    Pricey if you’re not going to use its Freesat functionality

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The TX-L37G15 is the only LCD in Panasonic's premium G15 range – its 42- and 46in siblings are plasmas – but otherwise it shares the same high-end spec, including Viera Cast.

We've already seen the latter built into Panasonic's new Blu-ray players, but this is the first TV we've seen packing the internet-enabled technology, which allows you to access multimedia content from providers such as YouTube, Eurosport and photo-sharing site Picasa.

Viera Cast is as a neat, user-friendly feature, but we obviously wouldn't position features above picture and sound quality… both of which we have to say are extremely impressive here.

The 'L37G15 is fitted with Freeview and Freesat tuners. Both perform to a strong standard.

The switch to Freesat results in a picture with marginally greater edge definition and less noise. High-definition channels from BBC and ITV look resplendent.

Champions League football on ITV HD appears pristine with awesome clarity and depth to the picture. The motion of the players and the ball itself is solid and consistent for the full 90 minutes.

Full HD resolution works a treat
The Panasonic's 10-bit panel is Full HD resolution but even with the extra upscaling needed for standard-definition DVD playback, the Panasonic mixes it with the very best sets around.

Edge definition throughout Valkyrie is crisp and precise. The set paints a detailed picture, with virtually no trace of judder, even in high-octane scenes.

Match the screen's resolution with Blu-ray's 1080p pictures and the 'L37G15 puts in another strong showing as far as motion handling, realism and detail are concerned.

The panning scenes from Hancock that others may struggles to control are gripped firmly by this set. Black levels could be a touch deeper, but this is a minor criticism of a very accomplished all-rounder.

Even sound quality can't be ridiculed – the Panasonic's solid, open delivery outshines most of its rivals.

Freesat might still be in its early infancy, but if you're seriously considering the commitment, this TV could very well be a deal-clincher.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test